Shanghai Art and Design Academy · CLIENT: SADA Product Design Team
Terix is a light off-road sport utility vehicle designed for both urban commuting and outdoor camping. Terix uses an electric-petrol hybrid powertrain, with electric power for daily driving and petrol power for off-road use. The seats fold and rotate to form a flat bed, and an integrated roof tent can be deployed in minutes. The body frame combines high-strength steel and aluminum alloy to reduce weight and increase rigidity. The tent uses water-resistant oxford fabric with lightweight aluminum supports. The design allows one vehicle to serve two lifestyles.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Terix Light Off-Road SUV is an electric-petrol hybrid designed for both urban commuting and outdoor camping. It features integrated tents, foldable seats, and flexible space for immediate arrive and camp convenience, balancing efficiency with terrain adaptability.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 4477mmX2416mmX1976mm
- Tags
- Dual-Scenario Adaptability
- Production Technology
- The realization of this product relies on the integration of advanced power technology and material processing techniques. The core of the power system is an electric-petrol hybrid assembly, featuring an optimized combination of high-efficiency electric motors and energy-saving engines, paired with an intelligent power distribution system to ensure smooth and efficient transition between dual modes. The body frame is composed of a hybrid material of high-strength steel and aluminum alloy, manufactured through a single-stage stamping process that reduces the vehicle’s weight while enhancing structural rigidity and impact resistance. The portable tent features water- and wear-resistant oxford cloth fabric, combined with lightweight aluminum alloy supports for quick deployment and storage; the seats incorporate high-elastic memory foam and stain-resistant leather to balance comfort and practicality. Surface treatments employ electroplating for rust prevention and eco-friendly painting technologies to ensure the vehicle’s durability in complex outdoor environments. The entire product is assembled using modular techniques, enabling efficient coordination between power, space, and functional modules.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part was deeply integrating two conflicting scenarios into one coherent system, not merely adding features. The core creative challenge was balancing urban efficiency (lightweight, aerodynamic, economical) with off-road ruggedness (powerful, durable, high-clearance) within a single vehicle identity. Key obstacles included:
1.Technical: Engineering a hybrid system for seamless mode-switching and optimizing a modular body to transform space without compromising safety or adding excessive weight.
2.Design: Fusing urban elegance and off-road ruggedness into a unified aesthetic language.
3.Functional: Ensuring camping features (tent, bed) were instantly usable yet didn't hinder daily driving comfort or storage.
Overcoming these required advanced materials (high-strength steel, aluminum), smart power-distribution algorithms, and a relentless focus on unified, user-centered design over compartmentalized solutions. - Project Duration
- The project started in Sep. 2024 in Shanghai and finished in August 2025 in Shanghai
- Operation Flow
- Operating the Terix is simple. Think of it as a smart companion. For daily driving, it efficiently uses electric power. Off-road, it seamlessly boosts petrol power for strength.
The real magic happens when you stop. With a few easy actions, the seats fold and rotate, transforming the interior into a flat bed. The integrated roof tent pops up in minutes, creating an instant shelter. This smart transformation removes all the hassle of packing and setting up equipment. It delivers a better result by turning travel time directly into relaxation time, letting you enjoy nature the moment you arrive. - Research
- Based on the provided design document, here is a summary of the key research and development components in English:
Research Background
The project addresses the modern user's dual need for an efficient urban commuter and a capable vehicle for spontaneous outdoor camping. It identifies gaps in traditional vehicles, which often force a compromise between fuel efficiency/urban comfort and off-road performance/camping utility.
Methods
The core method was a holistic, dual-scenario design philosophy. This involved deep integration (not just addition) of three systems: 1) An intelligent electric-petrol hybrid powertrain, 2) A flexible, modular interior space with transformable seats, and 3) Integrated camping modules like a roof tent. Inspiration was drawn from biomimicry, specifically the hippo's amphibious adaptability.
Tools
Key tools included intelligent power distribution algorithms for the hybrid system, modular body architecture and precision mechanical components for space transformation, and advanced materials (high-strength steel/aluminum alloy, durable fabrics) for lightweight durability.
Participants
While not explicitly stated, the design implicitly involved modern urban individuals or families who value both daily commuting efficiency and the ability to easily access high-quality outdoor recreation without extensive preparation.
Results
The result is the Terix SUV, a vehicle that successfully transitions between an energy-efficient city car and a ready-to-camp off-roader. Key outcomes include seamless mode switching, rapid interior transformation into a sleeping space, and instant tent deployment, achieving the arrive-and-camp vision.
Insights
The primary insight was that true innovation required deep functional integration rather than simple feature addition. The biggest challenge was balancing conflicting priorities (e.g., urban elegance vs. off-road ruggedness, space efficiency vs. comfort, low weight vs. high strength). Success was achieved by unifying design language and optimizing system-wide priorities, proving that a single vehicle can effectively bridge two distinct lifestyles. - Inspiration
- Terix SUV draws triple inspiration from the hippo: its amphibious adaptability inspires the electric-petrol hybrid for city/off-road use; its robust, rounded form shapes the vehicle's elegant yet rugged design,and its rest anywhere instinct translates into integrated tents and foldable seats for instant arrive and camp convenience. This bridges natural wisdom with modern travel, enabling one vehicle for dual urban and outdoor lifestyles.
Press releases are available in 1 languages.